Student creativity travels from the classroom to the voting booth

Four Henderson County students have been recognized for creating the winning designs in a local 'I Voted' sticker competition.

The Henderson County Board of Elections sponsored the contest, with the League of Women Voters helping schools learn how to participate.

Students from kindergarten through 12th grade were eligible, and the competition attracted 127 submissions.

A panel of four anonymous, nonpartisan judges selected winners across grade groups.

Four designs, four local perspectives

Tinsley Nichols, in the kindergarten-through-second-grade group, created '250 Years of Freedom,' drawing inspiration from a family conversation about America's 250th anniversary.

Reese Temple, representing grades three and four, submitted 'Apple,' a nod to the orchards that are central to Henderson County's identity.

Paisley Dixon, in grades five through eight, designed 'Flag & I Voted' around the American flag.

Alexandra Pearson, the high school winner, created 'Courthouse,' inspired by her visits to the Heritage Museum in Hendersonville's Historic Courthouse.

Recognition from a local civic organization

The Joseph McDowell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored the students and their families at its October 16 meeting at Champion Hills Country Club.

The winners received Patriotism Awards for their artwork.

The designs were reproduced as stickers for voters participating in early voting and on Election Day in Henderson County.

More than a contest

The project gave students a hands-on way to connect creativity with civic life, community history and the voting process.

It also brought local imagery into a familiar Election Day tradition, turning the small 'I Voted' sticker into something uniquely Henderson County.

For families and educators, the contest is a positive example of young people seeing their artwork shared throughout the community.